We're Better Than That

Racism and hate speech have no place at the University of Rochester. We aspire to be a community whose members are equally valued and respected.

“We’re better than THAT” places the power and responsibility to shape our community in each of our hands. By learning ways to react when we offend others or are offended by them, or when we are a witness to an ugly comment or conversation, we can acknowledge and act on this shared responsibility.

Throughout this semester and in the future, the "We’re better than THAT” campaign will educate students, faculty and staff on ways to approach difficult conversations on divisive topics and to stop hate speech and racism in our community.

Latest News

Irfan Bashir '19 wins antiracism video contest
A three-minute video called “Meliora,” created by Irfan Bashir '19, features University students of different races and nationalities holding signs with phrases that illustrate the multiple cultures and ethnicities found on campus. The video was awarded first place in the University's antiracism video contest.

Campaign aims to raise awareness about racismMarch 21 marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism. Across the River Campus and at the Eastman School of Music today, hundreds of students, staff, faculty and officials will wear gray T-shirts with the campaign's guiding message, We're Better Than That.

Anti-racism campaign kicks-off at basketball doubleheaderThe University launched its anti-racism campaign, “We’re Better Than THAT,” at the basketball doubleheader at the Louis Alexander Palestra on Saturday, February 27. The first 200 students will receive free T-shirts, buttons and stickers with the University’s new anti-racism logo. Both the men's and women's teams also will wear the gray T-shirts with the blue and gold logo during warmups.

What is Racism?

If you have ever been curious about what it would be like to be a person of color in an all white setting? Well here is your answer. Journalist Rich Benjamin finds the whitest towns in America and moves into them. From playing golf to gated communities, he immerses himself into 'whitopia.'

First-hand Accounts

Jamila Lyiscott celebrates her diversity in diction in her spoken word essay titled “3 Ways to Speak English.” Lyiscott explains the three styles of articulation she uses with her parents, friends, and classroom. Language has a significant role in her identity, but why? Watch and listen as she explains what it means to be “tri-tongued.”

Unity

“At no time is swinging together more important than when the death threats start to come and media vultures start to circle” New York Times columnist, Charles Blow, calls for unification primarily among people of color. He looks back to a time when our communities had safe zones such as churches, where radical ideas could be nurtured and flourish. In the troubling times we live in it's important to have spaces where we can unify and share new radical ideas.